Lots of Chicago ties to film about 1920s screen queen Clara Bow

Chicago native David Silver and his Silver Bullet Entertainment production company has acquired the film rights to “Clara Bow: Runnin’ Wild,” David Stenn’s biography of arguably Hollywood’s first sex symbol who was a huge star in the 1920s. Interestingly, both Silver and Stenn are also alums of the prestigious Francis Parker School in Lincoln Park.

Production on the Bow movie is expected to begin next year and Silver told Daily Variety her story “is one of the most intriguing stories in all of Hollywood. She was an amazing actress and overcame countless obstacles in her rise to stardom.” Mike Witherill of MJW Media will also produce the film along with Silver, and Stenn will write the screenplay, based on his book.

Clara Bow was born into a very poor family in Brooklyn — into a family that battled both alcoholism and mental health issues. She first found fame winning a magazine contest in 1921. Her nickname as “The It Girl,” came from her hit silent film “It,” in 1927. Bow went on to appear in 46 silent films and 11 “talkies,” before retiring in 1931, after marrying actor Rex Bell. She died at age 60 in 1965.

Silver’s proud dad, prominent Chicago financier and entrepreneur Lawrence Silver, noted that his son is truly following his dream. After graduating from New York University in 2009, where he pursued film studies, David Silver headed west where, as his father puts it, he went to “pursue his passion.”

Sounds like he’s already well on his way.